The Three Elements of Robbery in Georgia

What Does Robbery Mean According to Georgia Law?

In Georgia, robbery is defined as an intentional act of theft by a person who takes another’s property either directly from them or in their presence.

Key Elements of Robbery

Robbery Through Force: This type of robbery occurs when an individual employs force to seize someone else’s property, either directly from the owner or in the presence of another individual. A typical scenario involves a perpetrator forcibly grabbing a victim’s belongings, and the victim resists retaining their property.
Robbery Through Intimidation: Robbery through intimidation involves using threats, coercion, or inducing fear of bodily harm to the victim or another person for theft. This can be done verbally or via non-verbal gestures. An example includes a person threatening harm to a student unless they surrender their laptop.
Robbery by Sudden Snatching: This occurs when a person suddenly snatches an individual’s property without any struggle or resistance.

Consequences of Robbery Charge

In Georgia, Robbery is a severe felony. If found guilty, you could face imprisonment ranging from 1 to 20 years. If the victim is 65 or older, the sentence ranges from 5 to 20 years.

Definition of Armed Robbery

Per O.C.G.A. § 16-8-41, an armed robbery is an act of theft with the intent to rob while using a weapon or any object that resembles a weapon.

Example of Armed Robbery

For instance, a person using a toy gun that looks like a real firearm to rob a bank constitutes armed robbery.

Penalties for Armed Robbery

Armed robbery is a felony punishable by a minimum of ten years and up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, a person convicted of armed robbery in Georgia may be fined up to $100,000 and required to pay restitution to the victim.

Armed Robbery Involving Controlled Substances from a Pharmacy

This form of armed robbery involves unlawfully taking controlled substances from a pharmacy or wholesale druggist while intentionally inflicting bodily harm. The punishment is up to 15 years of imprisonment. A controlled substance is any drug classified under Schedules 1(I) through 4(V).

Armed Robbery Sentence in Georgia

The sentence for armed robbery can range from 10 to 20 years, life imprisonment, or additional convictions for firearm use and possession during an armed robbery, as per O.C.G.A. 16-11-106.

Thresholds for Jail and Felony in Georgia

In Georgia, stealing property valued at $500 or less usually results in a misdemeanor charge, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 12 months in jail. Theft of property valued at more than $500 is typically charged as a felony, punishable.